Importance: This is the opening line of the book. This line has two meanings. The first is literal. The mother will not awaken while an alien consciousness is downloaded into her baby. The second refers to the silent invasion that is taking place on earth eighteen years before the humans are aware of it.

Sometimes I think I might be the last human on Earth. -- Cassie
(Chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: This line shows the reader how isolated Cassie feels as she struggles to believe that anyone else has survived the alien invasion.

Every time I eat a Slim Jim or a can of sardines or anything prepackaged, I think, Well, there's one less of that in the world. -- Cassie
(Chapter 7 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote shows the reader Cassie's understanding that the conveniences of the modern world are quickly disappearing in light of the alien invasion.